Monday, May 6, 2013

Product Review: Benefit High Beam vs e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip

 photo HighlighterBlend_zpsdda79ea5.jpg
I've been using Benefit's High Beam for a few years and it's something in my makeup bag that varies from using it every single day to months without wear.

Then I saw this pin on Pinterest...
 photo 64fb121ce7b8d980b427b29db3c0a4ce_zps1fb16ea4.jpg

....which took me to her blog post about the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip and I decided that for a $1 I could pick it up on my next Target run. I mean, I love her makeup in the pic, I love any makeup that highlights, and if the product sucked and I threw it out after one use, I'm only out a buck.

Here's the Benefit High Beam side by side with the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal

 photo 5963B05F-1747-42A3-AF3D-0E14E42F68B1-9334-00000432C182A867_zps183a2443.jpg

I couldn't believe that the e.l.f. Facial Whip gave more color than the Benefit High Beam! In fact, I washed it off and did it again to be sure I had the products right and sure enough the e.l.f. gave more color.

Ok, here are the products stats:

Benefit High Beam
-Size: 0.45 oz
-Price: $26.00
-Deemed it's a "supermodel in a bottle"
-Made for all skin tones

e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip
-Size: 0.34 oz
-Price: $1.00
-Deemed to "brighten and soothe skin with no greasy after-feel"
-Multipurpose- made to be worn anywhere on face/body

Here are my reviews of how the two compare:

-The Benefit High Beam blends easier and is more sheer while the  e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip I find to be thicker and harder to blend. T

-The BHB blends well both before and after my face powder, where as the ESFW blends best before my powder (I just powder around where I've highlighted or work harder in my blending if used afterwards).

-I like the look of both highlighters, they're so similar in outcome I can barely tell the difference when wearing them.

-The ESFW lasts longer  and gives more color than BHB (it's less pink than ESFW), but you can apply less product if you want a more sheer look.

-Both look great alone or mixed with foundation/lotion and don't ruin your base by putting them on even though they're liquid.

-A little goes a long way for both products

Overall:

Save yourself $25 and buy the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip. Although it's not quite as blendable, I think it's a better product altogether. I don't have anything against the Benefit High Beam and still like the product, there's just no point in buying it when there's another product that is equal in comparison. Plus, the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip comes in several colors that I think makes it superior for people of different skin tones and types.

Do you use a highlighter? Have you tried these two products? What are your thoughts on how they compare?

12 comments :

Jill @ Bluegrass Belle said...

I have the Elf version of this but have only used it a few times because my skin is kinda oily and I'm afraid I'll look ridiculous. I should probably give it a shot some weekend and see how it works out. I love how highlighter looks, just don't trust it on myself! (or should I say "trust myself")

Katie said...

I love high beam and used it for years before switching to a powder highlighter. But I'll try this elf product before buying high beam again, for sure!

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

I did a post about several products comparing them to the more higher brands. I even compared these two products! I use the elf product. I'm all about saving money, so of course, I am going with the $1 product vs. the other!

Katie Did What said...

Okay, I bought the elf shimmer a lonngggg time ago, and have never used it. I'm totally taking your advice and trying it out again! I think I was just clueless as to HOW to use it. Thanks for the great review! :)

xo

Lindsay Erin said...

I feel like an idiot but I need a lesson on highlighting and concealing. I think I want to try this.

Nat said...

I will have to try th elf- can't turn down something that is only $1

Ella Pretty Blog said...

Loved the review - I've always thought ELF has some amazing products...thank goodness for blog posts which tell us which to buy and which to steer away from LOL!

40 years young said...

Love this and I agree. I have used the two side by side. NYX also makes a comparable item called "sunbeam"..It's a tad larger and only comes in a few shades. Elf's facial whip comes in a plethora of shades yet is smaller but you can't beat that price. I've used all 3 and honestly, though each is likable, I'm with both elf & NYX on many comparable items - quality and a fraction of the price. This is coming from a former Lancome, NARS & MAC snob (though I do still have a few things from these brands - just can't keep paying insane prices)

اي هيرب عربي said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Where did you go for having your Elf shimmer?

Unknown said...

Where did you go for having your Elf shimmer?

Hoodoo Psychics said...

Really nice content
Also read about Madame Nadia